Back to School Web 2.0

Q: In your blog, tell us about your experiences with these websites. Are there any others that you could recommend for kids?

Glubble - I like the idea of this site. While my children are not old enough to use such a site, it is nice to know that this is available and will most likely evolve by the time they become internet savvy.

Kids Tube - I had never heard of this site and am glad that there is a safer option for kids than YouTube.

Quintura for Kids - When searching a word or phrase, the results are not extensive (which may be a good thing for a child doing research). An advantage of this search engine is that there are other associated words or phrases that relate to the initial entry. This provides suggestions to the child and expands their search results.

Ask For Kids - I performed the same search on AskKids.com and Ask.com and the results on AskKids.com was visually easier to view. I especially liked the options in the toolbox located on the left side of the page.

Finally... Collaboration Software

I first learned about Google Docs when starting with OCLS. Our Orlando Memory committee utilizes Google Docs for keeping shared information current. After learning of this resource, I began promoting and using it with some outside organizations I have been involved in.

Since I have an iPhone, I have found Google Docs to be extremely helpful when I have a To Do list for an event and need to reference something. Since I have been using Google Docs and have so many things saved there, I will not take advantage of Zoho. However, it is good to know that there are other such resources.

Search Vs. Navigation

Q: In your blog, Tell us about your experience with these Google alternatives:

Lexxe- (natural language search)
This site did not have any fancy graphics or layout. The search results were straight forward and the amount on the first page was numerous.

Hakia - (semantic search engine)
I like the way this site is structured and I find the various options to be useful. I particularly like the tab for "Credible Sites", as well as the snapshot of what category results are on the results page.

Quintura - (visual search engine)
This is very interesting site. The category options on the left-side of the page that one can hover the mouse over definitely supports the idea that this is a visual search engine.

Bing and Google are very similar sites regarding their layout.

Mobile Web 2.0

One of my few luxuries in life is my iPhone. I use the phone and its mobile applications for almost everything I do.

In the morning, I check the morning headlines (Orlando Sentinel) and my subscribed blog updates (Bloglines); I manage my To Do list; take notes and email them to myself while at meetings; update my Facebook status and see what my friends are doing; check the weather when I am about the head out of town (Weather Channel); get directions to where I need to go (Maps); if I am in a new place, I can see where the nearest Starbucks is (AroundMe and Urbanspoon); see what the latest craze video is on YouTube; I manage my bank account and pay bills (Bank of America); order a pizza to be delivered at home (Pizza Hut); play games when I am board (Flood-It!); let my two year old daughter play games when she is board (SpongeBob); but most importantly, I can check my work email if I need to :)

I absolutely love to show of OCLS mobile application and renew or order items for my friends just to impress them!

Social Networking 2.5

Q: Are social network tools for connecting OCLS to the public or not? Can you think of ways to use any one of them in your department or location? How about personally? Is this something you are doing or something that you have an interest in doing?

A: I am a huge fan of social networking websites, especially Facebook and Linked In. I have reconnected and am able to stay connected with friends, colleagues and gain information about other things that interest me such as politics and local community events. I definitely think sites such as Facebook, Myspace and Twitter can serve as tools for OCLS to get the word out about programs, events and resources.

Internet Based 3D Virtual Worlds (IB3DVW)

Q: In your blog, share your thoughts about Second Life and 3-D virtual reality. What do you think of the technology? Do you see a use for it in your library world? Are we competing with virtual reality worlds now – will we in the future?


A: I just finished watching the presentation about Second Life... wow! I had no idea! While I haven't had a chance to actually log onto Second Life from home, the presentation really opened my eyes to another world. I think the technology is amazing and was surprised to learn of all the mainstream companies and organizations that have a presence in SL.

I do see the need to have libraries present in such a virtual world. If millions of people are already and will increasingly do business in such a forum, we have to remain and enhance our presence by way of providing resources and programming.

The Dark Side of the Web -Internet Malware

Q: Have you ever been the target of a phishing scam? Did you recognize it as a scam right away? What tipped you off? Blog about your experiences with malware or phishing attempts.

A: I have been the target of a phishing scam. Luckily, I had been included on a mass email alerting me of such bogus emails. When I received an email from my bank asking me to connect and confirm my information, I knew it may not be legitimate. I called my bank to ask if they had sent such an email and they confirmed that it was indeed a scam.

I was lucky, but if I wouldn't have been forwarded the email alert, I may have fallen for it.